Stampede at Vijay’s Rally Claims 31 Lives, Sparks Safety Concerns Ahead of Asia Cup Final

Karur, Tamil Nadu — A devastating stampede at actor-turned-politician Vijay Thalapathy’s election rally has left 31 people dead, including several women and children, and dozens more injured.

The incident occurred as thousands gathered to hear Vijay speak ahead of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan Asia Cup final.

Eyewitnesses report that the crowd surged uncontrollably when Vijay began his speech, triggering panic and chaos. Many attendees were crushed or suffocated in the tightly packed crowd.

Vijay, visibly shaken, halted his speech immediately upon witnessing the unfolding tragedy.

Medical teams were rushed in from nearby districts, and several victims remain in critical condition.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep sorrow and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

This tragedy has reignited urgent conversations around crowd control, public safety protocols, and the responsibilities of organisers during mass political events.